Prescription drug abuse and addiction are serious problems in the United States. People can become addicted to prescription drugs even if they are taken as prescribed. Call 888.292.9652 to get in touch with BlueCrest Recovery and hear more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programs.
The Potential for Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is any prescription drug use that extends beyond the instructions given to you by your medical provider. This includes using more than recommended dosages, taking medication more frequently than recommended, combining medications with alcohol or other drugs, or purchasing prescription drugs illegally.
Many medications—particularly controlled medications—have a high potential for misuse and abuse. Commonly misused prescription drugs include:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- OxyContin
- Vicodin
- Norco
- Ambien
- Klonopin
Each of these medications can produce effects that make them desirable for people who use drugs recreationally. Additionally, people with co-occurring mental health concerns may use these drugs in an attempt to self-medicate psychiatric symptoms.
Developing an Addiction to Prescription Drugs
Developing an addiction to prescription drugs can happen even if you take your medication as prescribed, but it more often happens to people who use their medication in excess of their prescription or who purchase prescription drugs illicitly.
Addiction is a broad term that has several different definitions, signs, and symptoms. Defined as simply as possible, addiction is continued prescription medication abuse despite harmful consequences.
People who are addicted to prescription drugs face debilitating consequences as a result of their behavior. They may lose important relationships, experience difficulties in their work or home lives, or develop medical or mental health concerns as a result of their prescription drug abuse.
Some people are more prone to becoming addicted to prescription drugs than others. Certain factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing an addiction to prescription drugs include:
- A family history of substance abuse
- Certain genetic factors
- Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- A young age of initiation of prescription medications
Importantly, none of these factors guarantee that a person will develop an addiction; they only make it more likely to occur if you begin using or misusing prescription medications. But if a person does become addicted, they often need professional treatment services in order to recover.
How Do I Know if I’m Addicted to Prescription Medication?
Only a mental health professional can deliver a diagnosis of a substance use disorder. But there are key signs and symptoms that may indicate whether your prescription drug use has become disordered. Some of the common symptoms of prescription drug addiction include the following:
- Invasive cravings for prescription medications
- Physical withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using prescription medications
- Loss of interest in favored hobbies or activities
- Multiple failed attempts to cut down or quit prescription drug use on your own
- Worsening physical or mental health effects as a result of your prescription drug use
- Using more prescription drugs than intended or for longer than intended
If you begin to recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you may have developed an addiction. Evidence-based treatment methods exist to help people overcome prescription drug addiction by teaching them how to overcome physical withdrawal symptoms and learn healthy strategies to resist their cravings.
Get Help at BlueCrest Recovery with Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Struggling with a prescription drug addiction can lead to severe consequences if it’s not treated appropriately. To find expert addiction care from a team of compassionate mental health professionals, reach out to BlueCrest Recovery by calling 888.292.9652.
Our team can help you to determine whether you’re struggling with addiction and has several evidence-based treatment methods that can start you on the path to lifelong recovery.
